Mileage Check: How to Spot a Clocked Car in the UK

Car Owl

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Summary

• Around 2.5 million clocked cars are on UK roads: That's 1 in 16 used cars with false mileage.
• MOT history reveals mileage discrepancies: Compare MOT records year by year. If the mileage drops, it's been clocked. Use our free MOT checker.
• A full history check is the best protection: Our car history check analyses mileage data from multiple sources.

Clocking is the illegal practice of winding back a car's odometer to show fewer miles. It makes the car appear less worn — and worth more money.

Here's how to protect yourself.

How Mileage Fraud Works

Digital odometers can be adjusted with cheap software and an OBD plug. A criminal can wind back 50,000 miles in a matter of minutes.

• The car appears younger and less worn
• The seller charges a higher price
• The buyer gets a car that's closer to expensive mechanical failures

Signs a Car Has Been Clocked

• Mileage drops in MOT history: The clearest sign. If the mileage recorded at an MOT is lower than a previous year, the odometer was reset.
• Wear doesn't match mileage: A car showing 30,000 miles but with a heavily worn steering wheel, seat bolsters, and pedal rubbers has done more.
• Service history gaps: Missing service records often coincide with mileage fraud.
• New tyres and brakes on a "low-mileage" car: These parts shouldn't need replacing at 20,000 miles.
• Price seems too good to be true: A low-mileage car priced below market value is suspicious.

How to Check a Car's Real Mileage

1. Check MOT history: Use our MOT checker to see mileage recorded at every MOT test back to 2005.
2. Run a history check: Our car history check compares mileage from multiple databases and flags discrepancies.
3. Check the service book: Compare the mileage written at each service with the MOT records.
4. Look at the physical evidence: Check wear on pedals, steering wheel, driver's seat, and gear knob.

What to Do If You've Bought a Clocked Car

• Contact the seller: Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, the car must match its description. If the mileage was advertised incorrectly, you may be entitled to a refund.
• Report to Action Fraud: Clocking is fraud. Report it at actionfraud.police.uk.
• Contact Trading Standards: If you bought from a dealer, Trading Standards can investigate.
• Reject the car: Within 30 days of purchase, you can reject it for a full refund if it doesn't match the description.

It takes 30 seconds to check a car's MOT mileage history. That 30 seconds could save you thousands. Never skip this step.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Always check MOT history before viewing a car.
2. Run a comprehensive history check before buying.
3. Compare the odometer reading with the last MOT mileage.
4. If anything doesn't add up, walk away.

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